Imitation of Life

 "Imitation of Life" 1934 directed by John M. Stahl adapted from the Fannie Hurst novel and starring Claudette Colbert, Warren William, Rochelle Hudson, Ned Sparks, Louise Beavers, Fredi Washington, This is not a pre-code film as it was released November 26, 1934 and the Code went into effect on July 1. I have to seriously consider what audience this was geared to at the time. They loved seeing Claudette Colbert wearing beautiful clothes and being wealthy was what the public wanted and there had to be romance and so there was Warren William. There was no romance for Louise Beavers (who was given fifth billing and Fredi Washington was given sixth billing). In the film, Claudette tells Beavers her plans for the shop they are going to own and run together instead of asking her. It's still there, of course, being told to listen to the white people who knows what's best for you. Louise Beavers made the best of this role and she was warm, funny, and kind but when she gives Claudette the look to be used on the poster, she has to be told she could let it go. It's one of those, "Oh, those people can be so cute," moments.

Colbert's daughter is played by Rochelle Hudson and Louise Beavers daughter is played by an actual African-American who wwas assumed to have the same self-loathing that her character did. Fredi Washington worked as an activist for civil rights and was proud to be African American

I'm not going to touch on Colbert's clothes, on Warren William or on Rochelle Hudson because this version of the film is seen for the topic of "color". Is it worth seeing? Yes, it is the acting is great and Colbert is warm, funny and completely likeable and Beavers is great, too but just keep in mind that this was a hot topic in 1934.